Survivorship

Abstract

Latinas experience high rates of cervical cancer (CCA) in the U.S. This health-related quality of life (HRQOL) qualitative study was conducted with key informant and focus groups (N = 26). The results indicate that overall Latinas experience persistent concerns: Physical challenges including pain, and bladder, bowel, and sexual health problems; medical care barriers (e.g., difficulties accessing quality care, poor patient-physician relationship); functional issues including employment difficulties; and personal concerns including family and relationship burdens. Spiritual, familial, and cultural factors promote coping and well-being but may delay care seeking. In summary, Latinas diagnosed with CCA face a burdensome survivorship experience. Increases in medical and psychosocial services are greatly needed for Latinas to improve cancer outcomes including HRQOL.

Enhancing physical well-being and overall quality of life among underserved Latina-American cervical cancer survivors: feasibility study

“…Findings from a population-based cervical cancer survivorship study [8,20,21] and other gynecologic studies indicate that burdensome medical, physical, psychological, social, functional, and sexual sequelae persist many years after diagnosis and treatment [22], and may impact HRQOL. Psychological sequelae can include depression, sleeping difficulties, difficulty concentrating, and anxiety to a greater level and consequence than many other cancer patient populations, as well as the general public [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29].…”

“…These sequelae are often greater among minority survivors [5,8,20,21,45]. The results of these studies with CCS suggest that a substantial number of cervical cancer patients experience significant psychological, physical, and overall quality of life (QOL) distress, particularly those who are ethnic minorities [5,11,20,21].…”

“…Among ethnic minority survivors, social support, family issues, relational and sexual issues, physical symptoms associated with treatments, practical barriers to obtaining treatment, and general life stress are common, persistent concerns [5,8,11,12,21]. Meyerowitz et al [11] found that perceived social support from multiple family members was significantly associated with better adjustment among Latina-American survivors.…”

“…Meyerowitz et al [11] found that perceived social support from multiple family members was significantly associated with better adjustment among Latina-American survivors. Studies report that ethnic minority survivors want cancer-related support in the form of family support groups or individual counseling [11,20,21]. Many patients also indicated that they would like additional information about their cancer and follow-up treatment [11,20,21].…”

Sociodemographic Differences in Fears and Mistrust Contributing to Unwillingness to Participate in Cancer Screenings

“…The few studies that have investigated barriers to cancer screenings among Hispanics have uncovered inhibitors such as accessing quality care and poor provider-patient relationships. 13,14 Psychosocial barriers, such as patient readiness, fear of embarrassment with the screening procedure, fatalistic beliefs, and lack of awareness have also been noted. 7,11,13–16 Although health insurance has also been identified as a contributor to differences in screening participation, studies indicate that racial/ethnic disparities persist even among universally insured (e.g., Medicare-insured) populations.…”